Mid Ulster’s decision to ban the sale of political emblems on council premises causes ‘Super Storm’

The last poppy is planted in the 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red' installation at the Tower of London, 2014

Published:09:15Wednesday 04 March 2015

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The new Mid Ulster Council has not yet taken control, but councillors are already embroiled in a bitter row over emblems and the Irish language.

Last week, the nationalist dominated ‘super’ council, voted in favour of banning the sale of political emblems, which includes both poppies and Easter lilies.

Days later, and the new council logo was unveiled with the Irish term for Mid Ulster appearing above the English.

Unionists have reacted with outrage, claiming the moves are designed to create a ‘cold house’ for them.

They have also indicated they will seek legal advice over the matters.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the DUP and UUP said: “Our groups will unite to call this series of decisions in and try to thwart this agenda to create a cold house for the Unionist minority in Mid-Ulster.”

The council have said both decisions have been made as interim measures, until full consultations are carried out.